MPs have questioned an allocation of Sh75 million for monitoring and evaluation of ministry's activities in the next financial year.
The members of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation said the ministry’s State Department for Water and Sanitation has enough staff whose work should encompass the task.
“Why are you allocating Sh75 million to monitoring and evaluation of projects, yet you have sufficient staff who should be more than competent to carry out that role?” posed Mwingi North MP Paul Nzengu.
Principal Secretary Kipronoh Ronoh assured the committee that the ministry will adhere to its budget limits and find a suitable method to allocate funds to essential projects.
Ronoh had appeared before the committee for budget deliberations on the 2023/24 estimates of revenue and expenditure.
The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the overall allocation of funds to projects that lack a clear purpose. Members said the money could be better utilised for other initiatives that would directly impact Kenyans' lives.
Committee chair David Bowen (Marakwet East) observed that there are redundant projects both under the State Department of Water and Sanitation and the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries.
He cited the development of fish landing sites like Ngomeni and Kichwa Cha Kati.
Bowen emphasised the need to consolidate these efforts under a single state department for better synergy.
He urged the ministry to adopt a strategic approach in their operations and project management, considering the essential nature of water throughout the entire country.
